● Selangor’s Jun Qian ends junior career on a high
Squash player Tay Jun Qian has ended his junior career in fantastic fashion.
Jun Qian emerged victorious in the boys’ Under-19 after a hard-fought battle in the National Junior Championships at the Jalan Duta Courts yesterday.
The 19-year-old from Selangor defeated Hasvind Kugan of Kuala Lumpur 11-6, 9-11, 7-11, 11-6, 11-6 in an intense final.
Jun Qian’s win marked one of the biggest achievements in his squash career after his notable win at the Borneo Junior Open in 2023.
Yesterday’s national meet was his last junior tournament but he had to fight really hard to nick it.
Jun Qian had to switch his technique when he was 1-2 down but managed to turn the game around.
“I’m satisfied with my performance here. This win is a good start for me as I look forward to future tournaments with confidence,” said Jun Qian.
But first, he wants to focus on his business foundation exam at INTI International University.
“During the exam period, my focus is more on studies.
“But after the exam is over, I will try to balance both training and studies,” said Jun Qian.
Although Jun Qian is a part of the Selangor state team, he trains with the national team three days in a week to improve his skills.
He is aiming to enhance his stamina, improve his shots in the front court, and maintain mental resilience for every match.
Jun Qian’s current Professional Squash Association (PSA) ranking is 501 and he aspires to climb the ranks gradually and break into the top 100.
“Ali Farag and Mohamed Elshorbagy from Egypt are my idols in squash, I like their game style and hope to incorporate their elements of play into mine,” said Jun Qian.
His next tournament is the Sukma (Malaysian Games) in August and he hopes to keep his momentum going.